Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Blue Dial 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Blue Dial 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Yellow Dial 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Yellow Dial, 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Green Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King Custom Diamond Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King With Custom Orange Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Green Dial, Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Dial and Custom Diamond Bezel circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Black Finish and Custom Finished Dial ca 1965
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King With Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Made Pumpkin Orange Dial circa
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Custom Finished Red Dial Late 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Green Dial And Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King With Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Candy Apple Red Dial 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex Air King has a custom made candy apple red dial, made to Rolex of
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Green Dial And Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air-King with Custom Green Dial And Diamond Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King with Custom Purple Dial 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air-King / Reference 5500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King With Custom Dark Green Dial circa, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Custom Finished Powder Blue Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
classic Rolex Air King is fitted with the original factory Rolex dial custom color finish. The watch is
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Orange Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King Custom Finished Orange Dial Late 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Rolex Steel Air King with a Custom Diamond Dial, Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King With Custom Purple Dial circa, 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Red Dial, Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
This classic vintage Rolex Air King has a custom made red dial, made to Rolex of Switzerland
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Finished Red Dial from 1967
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Co. STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King with Custom Pink Dial 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air-King / Reference 5500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Light Blue Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air-King with Custom Pink Dial, 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air-King / Reference 5500
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Made Orange Dial, circa 1960s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Green Dial And Custom Diamond Bezel ca 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Orange Dial, Early 1970s
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King/ Reference 1003
Steel, Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Diamond Dial and Diamond and Emerald Bezel
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Pink Dial, Circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: 5500 / 1002 METAL / MATERIAL: Stainless
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Finished Green Dial from 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Finished Green Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Finished Green Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Made Pink Diamond Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air-King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Orange Dial circa, circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500/1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Made Sky Blue Dial 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Finished Green Dial, 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air King Ref 1003 Custom Blue Dial, Early 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex Air King has a custom made dark blue dial, made to
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Exceptional Custom Red Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual Air King with Custom Green Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King With Custom Blue Dial from Early 70's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Air King / Reference 5500
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Dial Rare Jubilee Bracelet, Early 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex Air King has a custom made charcoal
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with a Custom Lavender Dial Late 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 / 1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Air King with Machined Bezel Custom Finished Green Dial 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex has a custom dial made by
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King with Custom Finished Sage Green Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom M.O.P Blue Diamond Dial and Custom Bezel 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1980's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500-1002 METAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Stainless Steel Air King With Custom Made Pumpkin Orange Dial circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
months on the movement. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic vintage Rolex Air King has a custom
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Custom Pink Diamond Dial and Diamond Bezel 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 1002 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air-King with Custom Blue Dial and Diamond Bezel circa 1970's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Air King / Reference 5500 METAL / MATERIAL
Stainless Steel
Rolex Steel Air King with Black Finish and Custom Made Dial circa 1960's
By Rolex
Located in Long Beach, CA
. LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This unique watch has a custom made dial made to Rolex of Switzerland's
Stainless Steel
While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.
Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.
But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.
But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.
Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.
The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.
Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.
Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.
Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.
Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.
Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.
In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.
Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.
Find antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.
The watch has transformed several times over, but it’s still undeniably a classic.
This is perhaps the least subtle version of the Submariner.
If you think this looks like the Rolex Kermit, you're correct.
This model was designed for lefties.
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
From understanding the models to choosing among vintage, pre-owned and new watches, here’s our expert advice on finding the best Rolex for you.
As the cache goes on display at London’s Design Museum, we speak to its enigmatic owner about some of his rarest acquisitions.
These companies have stood the test of time, making exceptional pieces for generations.